TG Tableau Missing From R-Day Parade, but State to Showcase Heritage at Red Fort
Hyderabad: Telangana will not have a tableau at the Republic Day parade in Delhi this year. The list of 16 states selected to participate in the parade, released by the Centre on Wednesday, did not include Telangana. However, the state has secured a prominent place at the Red Fort, where it will showcase its tableau as part of the Bharat Parv Festival, which runs from January 26 to 31.
The Telangana tableau, which will be displayed at Bharat Parv, will highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage, including the famed Ramappa Temple and the Kakatiya dynasty’s contributions to history. Additionally, Telangana will have a pavilion to exhibit its developmental and welfare initiatives, under the slogan ‘Telangana Rising’. The pavilion will focus on the state's skill upgradation programmes, including the establishment of Advanced Training Institutes (ATIs) and Skill University, among other initiatives.
The state had the opportunity to present its tableau at the Republic Day parade last year (2024), showcasing the heroic contributions of tribal freedom fighters like Komaram Bheem, Ramji Gond, and Chakali Ilamma. Since the Centre rotates the opportunity for states to display their tableaux every year, the Telangana government had not made serious efforts this year, understanding that it would not be selected for a consecutive display, official sources said.
Since the formation of Telangana in June 2014, the state has been included in the parade four times, with its last participation being in 2024. Previously, Telangana’s tableaux were featured in 2015, 2020, and 2024.
In 2015, the state showcased the Bonalu festival, and in 2020, it highlighted the Bathukamma festival, while last year’s tableau honoured the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters.
The Bharat Parv Festival, an annual event celebrating India's diverse culture and heritage, serves as a platform for various cultural performances, exhibitions, and activities that promote the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." The Telangana government wants to highlight its developmental projects and tourism initiatives, especially in the fields of spiritual, medical, and eco-tourism.
One of the key highlights of Telangana's pavilion at Bharat Parv will be its new tourism projects, including water sports, houseboats, and river festivals along the Krishna and Godavari rivers, modelled after Venice's Water Carnival. The state also plans to showcase its rich culinary heritage, featuring iconic Hyderabadi dishes like biryani and Irani chai, aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists to the region. Through its participation in Bharat Parv, Telangana is keen to boost its image as a progressive state while promoting its cultural, tourism, and economic initiatives.